Metal Arms Review

An arcade-quick action shooter with heart and style.

Were Metal Arms to have stopped there, we would have recommended it. But it features several other gameplay elements that impress, too. The most publicized is Glitch's ability to -- using a device called a tether control -- shoot out a wire that attaches to the backs of most enemy bots whereby the hero can jack into and take them over. A virtual scroll of play options are opened because of this seemingly simple addition as gamers can all of a sudden manipulate a plethora of different bots with unique and alternatively useful abilities. This function also allows for some measure of strategy and planning. When these bots are deactivated (if they go out of range or are manually disconnected by Glitch) they become active threats again so naturally it's also best to destroy them -- and this can be a deviously entertaining process in of itself.

In addition, Glitch can also man turrets and shoot down droids, or he can take over craft and fly or speed them into motion against the opposition. And there are even full levels based around the craft. In one, Glitch must race a tank-like-vehicle through a desert while another droid mans its guns and shoots at foes. This is one of the weaker scenarios in the game mostly because the control, which is mapped to both analog sticks and nothing else, feels wrong and the physics too loose. But the variety is still commendable.

On top of everything else, the title features a full four-player mode where gamers can take part in seven different game types including Death Match. The multiplayer mode has been received differently by many of the IGN editors -- there are those who complain they can't properly see the play field because the droids take up too much space and those who really enjoy the experience. We're part of the latter.

Metal Arms delivers a long, engrossing helping of twitch-trigger shooting action and a number of play variations. The challenge can be too much at points. Many missions seem to revolve around try-die-and-try-again game design, which can be frustrating, but players who want an arcade-like shooter with depth, style and wit will still not find many better. Graphics Love it or hate it, Glitch has its own style. The title has a slick presentation, from the defined menus to the pretty cut-scenes. But we like the look, too. The designs of the characters work. They're cute -- small and loveable -- and yet gritty enough to be taken seriously at the same time. Animation is strong and the variety of the motion is remarkable -- each model moves differently, some funnier than others. Meanwhile, the environments, from the dark caverns that the character explores to the overly colorful industrial wastelands that he does battle in, are big and mostly fantastic.

The game in our opinion suffers mostly in pure geometry and texture application. The buildings and objects lack polygons and as a result they may appear hard and edgy. We understand that some sacrifices have to be made in order to include other, more important attributes, but this is the case all the same. The title also suffers from underwhelming textures at points. Up close, they can sometimes appear blurry, even in the GameCube and Xbox builds of the game.

On the other hand, Swingin' Ape has created truly animated, fluid environments. Physics directly influence the visuals so that if Glitch shoots a missile at a bridge, it will first cause an explosion and then the gateway itself will crumble and collapse realistically. Signs take gunfire and fall apart. Structures explode. It all looks great.

A long list of technical feats can also be seen. Real-time lighting effects that temporarily illuminate hallways in flashes. Reflections, refraction and transparencies that form shimmering, beautiful water and metallic surfaces. A highly advanced particle system that makes enemies look as if they've been strapped from head-to-toe with dynamite every time they are shot apart as parts are ripped and thrust apart in hugely satisfying explosions. It all impresses.

The GameCube version of Glitch looks better than the PlayStation 2 one and the Xbox build looks better still. The differences are marginal. PS2 does not run in progressive scan, but the others do. PS2 also features slightly less geometry in certain situations and runs at a lesser framerate. GameCube and Xbox are very similar minus a few extra effects in the Microsoft build, and a slightly better fluidity. None of the versions run, unfortunately, run with an uninterrupted framerate -- it dips and drops here and there -- but the motion is never poor either.

Sound Excellent. The title first runs in full surround sound so that players will be able to hear the echoes of bullets as they whiz by Glitch's head. More, though, it features superior voice acting from star talent and the dialogue is crisp, clean and usually humorous. Sound effects boom out -- gamers with proper subwoofers will feel the bass kick in and envelop them during deep in-play explosions. And to top everything off, the music is outstanding. It really is. It thumps with a beat and goes perfectly with the action. A kickin' drumbeat will even triumphantly signal when gamers have successfully completed a mission. Nice work.

The Verdict

Metal Arms has unfortunately not received the attention it deserves of gamers. But if you're reading this review still, take notice because this is a surprisingly well-made action-shooter with a lot of heart. The game successfully merges a light-hearted storyline with some seriously intense combat, a good measure of strategy and a fun multiplayer mode. Oh, and the weapons in this title are downright awesome, especially the tether control device.

There are some notable drawbacks, yes. The control may be too loose for its own good and the game sometimes runs on the frustrating try-die-and-try-again design philosophy. But overall the experience is very entertaining and satisfying.

So with that in mind if you're looking for a smart, funny and unexpectedly deep action title with destruction and carnage at every corner, Metal Arms has got it in spades.